Coffin Plate Collection Private collection of over 400 coffin plates with names of ancestors plus birth and death dates

Olive Tree Newsletter

JOIN the FREE Olive Tree Genealogy Newsletter. Be the first to know of genealogy events and freebies. Find out when new genealogy databases are put online. Get tips for finding your elusive brick-wall ancestor.

... withing
range of the Cabanas stands an advance battery; at the head of bay on its
south side stands Castillo Atares, commanding the city, part of the
harbour, and interior approaches to the city; on the South West, and West
sides stand Castle Principe. James Clarke, Havana, Cuba 1835

My dear friend

I would be doing injustice to the memory of my dear Father, and also to
my own feelings, if I neglected any opportunity to cultivate, and cherish
the friendship of the son of his, and I may say my own, dearest friend;
and be assured that I shall feel happy if our acquaintance shall be
cemented by as strong and virtuous ties as distinguished the friendship
of our fathers.

When I left you in Phila, I did not know that I would have made this
island my residence, this present year. But here am I, in the city
consecrated by the Great Colon, and now the repository of his mortal
remains [originally, “of the mortal remains of the Great ‘Admiral of the
Seas’”] and what emotions are awakened in the mind of an American where
standing on the spot when he offered up the pious thanks of his sincere
and grateful heart, to him who guided ov[e]r the waters the frail bark
containing perhaps the destiny of the world – . It is indeed a precious
privilege — And while gazing on the marble shaft raised to commemorate
the event I could not forbear calling in the aid of imagination to
picture, the weather beaten, but godlike Admiral, surrounded by his now
humble crew, and the nude nondaring [?] Savages, offering the incense not
only of the censor, but of his noble heart, to the Almighty disposer of
events for his guiding and preserving providence – dedicating this new
world to its creator, an act worthy of its discoverer — —

In the cathedral stands his coffin containing all that remains of him and
his son. – To an American who has never before been from his country,
this is an interesting city, containing much that is of interest in
architectural decorations, locality, and manners and customs of its
citizens. The first view, and entrance of the harbour is truly
magnificent, and ever yet I daily discover new points of beauty in the
city and its beautiful environs, The harbour nearly surrounds the city,
or so near that a canal of one mile would isolate it from the interior —
The entrance to the harbour is defended by the Moro, and Punta fort,
either of which could at one discharge sink any vessel that would enter
sine permission. The Moro is joined by a covert way to the Cabanas, an
immense fortification capable of containing from 20,000 to 30,000 men,
and which commands the Harbour, the city, & all approaches to it on that
side (nr N. East) This fort was a long time building, and cost an immense
sum, so much that even a not over wise King of Spain enquired if it was
built of silver; it is said from 80 to one h[undred] millions of dollars!
Perhaps no one [knows] the exact amount — farther up the bay, and withing
range of the Cabanas stands an advance battery; at the head of bay on its
south side stands Castillo Atares, commanding the city, part of the
harbour, and interior approaches to the city; on the South West, and West
sides stand Castle Principe, and some batteries that effectually guard
all the avenues from the country – while the city itself is enclosed by
huge walls well manned even in times of peace[.] But here I am at the end
of my sheet and must also end my story –

So let me hear from you soon,
Address – Civil Engineer, Camino de Hierro, Habana – and when writing to
your fathers family remember me and assure them of my grateful
remembrance to the Dr and his family make my kindest regards and believe
me yours

Truly & Sincerely

Clarke
Mr R H Beattie
[[ Habana Sep 29. 1835. ]]

Wishing you had an ancestor photograph? Check out the 1800s photographs and antique photo albums on Lost Faces. There are over 2,500 photos in this growing genealogy collection